Air tools v. electric

[Zero]

I researching the purchase of an air compressor for my home garage and in the process of doing so, I'm trying to figure out what tools I'll actually run off the compressor.

Long story short, this lead me to the question of which is better for the DIY'er doing light auto and equipment maintenance, air or electric tools?

Please provide me with your insight on which would be better. If more info is needed on my part, please advise.

 

[Sawdusted]

I would prefer air as it usually is more powerful and lighter. For mechanic work, I would recommend the HG 8 gal compressor which can be had for about $100 with coupon and get an IR 2135TIMax. I would also get an IR air hammer and air ratchet to save time. IR is good quality stuff but without the tool truck price.

The HF 8 gal compressor can keep up with most of these tasks as long as you don't rush it. I know because I have this setup before I upgraded to a larger tank.

If you want to go electric, I would only consider the 20V IR battery operated 1/2" impact. But this cost a pretty penny. If you're doing basic maintenance on small engines like trimmers, lawn mowers etc, I wold recommend going cordless battery and a 12V of 14V should be sufficient.

HTH

 

[Sunnyinhollister]

With my air compressor I fill the tires, use the air ratchet, impact wrench, air gun for blowing off things including the shop vac filter, brad nail gun for home improvement project projects, ect.

 

[Donald]

Cordless tools are getting better and more powerful. The best air tools are still more powerful, but the gap is closing.

But air can paint, blow dust, fill tires, etc.

Decide what tools and then decide if you need a compressor. Weight can also be important if you use a tool all the time.

 

[Trav]

Air tools are generally far superior to electric and many you cant buy in electric form like hammers, chisels, needle scalers, powerful ratchets, etc.

A 60 gal single stage (cheap under $500 compared to 2 stage) compressor will handle all the air tools one at a time including spray guns and DA sanders/buffers.
Air ratchets can drain a small compressor pretty quick you need to look at the CFM of the tools and at what PSI they need to operate.
Most tools like a 1/2" impact need 90 PSI and about 5-7 CFM

Something like a spray gun can use 13 CFM @ 40 psi so no small tank compressor will maintain smooth air delivery for very long.
The list of air tools is almost endless, some you never even thought you could use but going with a small compressor puts real limits on what you can use.

 

[Falken]

Air tools are the only real option.

You can't drop a power tool.

Air tools run cool and you can have more mishaps with them and they are generally more robust.

Also, with water around and fluids, playing with an electrical device isn't the best option.

All Winter I hold my impact gun by the hose and lower it down while I work. If I lower it down into a slush pile or into salty water no harm done.

Every morning I lube the gun up with a few drops of oil, and she's good for the day.

 

[supton]

I got a cheapie oil-less compressor from Home Depot. 20 gallon? I forget. I'm not sure I'm 100% happy with it. For inflating tires it's great; but so far I haven't been real impressed with its ability to run an HF impact wrench. Which may be a second source of frustration.

IIRC, oil-less compressors cost less, but make more noise, and are apt to wear out faster.

I recall being told to get 3/8's line, not the cheaper 1/4". 1/4" is probably ok for tire inflation, but it won't support an impact wrench. I have a 50' 3/8's line, and I think it's too long to run an impact--too much pressure drop (although it could be the compressor--I have not had a chance to try a shorter line). But what makes more sense: long air line, or long extension cord? These compressors aren't low current.

I still wind up breaking loose bolts at the moment by hand. Right now my compressor is used just for tire inflation. Good thing it was a gift.

 

[Corvette Owner]

I have a 110 volt impact wrench and a small 110 volt tankless air compressor. I prefer the electric impact wrench, no big air hose to carry around.

Two floor jacks and two sets of ramps.

All I need. I don't use chisels, cutoff saws, etc.

My son is getting 20 volt cordless tools. He even bought a compressor attachment. They are great tools.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Corvette Owner
I have a 110 volt impact wrench and a small 110 volt tankless air compressor. I prefer the electric impact wrench, no big air hose to carry around.

Two floor jacks and two sets of ramps.

All I need. I don't use chisels, cutoff saws, etc.

My son is getting 20 volt cordless tools. He even bought a compressor attachment. They are great tools.


Can you expand on compressor attachment?

From the Dewalt line of tools, they have a better variety of 18V than the newer 20V. I'll bet other brands are similar.

For what its worth, I wrote Dewalt an email saying I have an investment in their 18V line of tools and want to see it continued. I am probably not the only one.

 

[JC1]

Originally Posted By: Zero
I researching the purchase of an air compressor for my home garage and in the process of doing so, I'm trying to figure out what tools I'll actually run off the compressor.

Long story short, this lead me to the question of which is better for the DIY'er doing light auto and equipment maintenance, air or electric tools?

Please provide me with your insight on which would be better. If more info is needed on my part, please advise.


Define Light auto maintenance? If you are planning on progressing to any major auto repair such as timing belts, shocks or strut replacement or anything that needs major torque to remove fasteners, then you need air tools and a compressor.

For compressors you'll need one that delivers a cfm of 5.0 or better to keep up wth your air tools. That usually means it will be 25 gallons in size or more.

Regards, JC.

 

[Corvette Owner]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: Corvette Owner
I have a 110 volt impact wrench and a small 110 volt tankless air compressor. I prefer the electric impact wrench, no big air hose to carry around.

Two floor jacks and two sets of ramps.

All I need. I don't use chisels, cutoff saws, etc.

My son is getting 20 volt cordless tools. He even bought a compressor attachment. They are great tools.


Can you expand on compressor attachment?

From the Dewalt line of tools, they have a better variety of 18V than the newer 20V. I'll bet other brands are similar.

For what its worth, I wrote Dewalt an email saying I have an investment in their 18V line of tools and want to see it continued. I am probably not the only one.


It is an 18 volt Ryobi compressor: here is link:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt...97#.UeVpc9Ur2xM

He started with a combination pack of one drill and one impact wrench and two batteries with a carrying case for $99, they are lithium batteries. He did a lot of research, Ryobi is one step below commercial tools.

 

[440Magnum]

Air tools are vastly superior if you work them hard. Electric impact wrenches, and especially grinders/sanders/drills will get hotter and hotter as you work them, but air tools actually are cooled by the expanding air passing through them. When I use my air drill over a long period for wire brushing old parts, for example, it actually gets cold to the touch.

Swapping one air tool for another is easier and qucker than rolling and unrolling electric cords.

Air can't electrocute you if you are working in with water (eg. wet-sanding).

So if you're doing light work that lasts no more than 5-10 minutes, and you don't need a wide array of tools, it makes economic sense to go electric. But if you're willing to invest in the compressor, there are lots of tools available. Plus some things you can only do with air- dust blower tools, paint guns, etc.

 

[zzyzzx]

For home use, corded electric tools should be your first choice.
I only use my air compressor to inflate tires, blow air, or for my paint gun.

 

[Chris142]

batteries are for toys. I consider a 20 gallon tank the minimum for home jobs such as rotating tires. My ir 231 would bust the lug nuts loose on my Peterbilt at the end of a 100 foot 3/8 hose

 

[Falken]

I'd LOVE to have a 20+ gallon compressor. As you get bigger, they seem to take the same space and only get taller...

Nothing is more fun than letting an impact gun RIP in a residential area...

Take that 7am weed eater guy, take that!

Oh, yes, and a beer fridge in the garage.

Impact gun, bacon and eggs, beer, 7am... This can be a beautiful day!

When the neighbors ask what's up: "Practicing for NASCAR".

Love it!!

 

[SIXSPEED]

I have both air tools and cordless tools for DIY stuff, auto repair, etc. I generally reach for the cordless impact for everything from tire rotations to light suspension work and will turn on the compressor when I think the cordless impact can't handle the job ... like axle nuts. But I'm pleasantly surprised how powerful my Craftsman 19.2V cordless impact wrench is.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: SIXSPEED
I have both air tools and cordless tools for DIY stuff, auto repair, etc. I generally reach for the cordless impact for everything from tire rotations to light suspension work and will turn on the compressor when I think the cordless impact can't handle the job ... like axle nuts. But I'm pleasantly surprised how powerful my Craftsman 19.2V cordless impact wrench is.


+1 - exactly.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Falken
I'd LOVE to have a 20+ gallon compressor. As you get bigger, they seem to take the same space and only get taller...

Nothing is more fun than letting an impact gun RIP in a residential area...

Take that 7am weed eater guy, take that!

Oh, yes, and a beer fridge in the garage.

Impact gun, bacon and eggs, beer, 7am... This can be a beautiful day!

When the neighbors ask what's up: "Practicing for NASCAR".

Love it!!


The compressor itself should make half the noise at 7:00 AM. So a 5 HP, two-stage compressor is the minimum.

 

[65f100]

Those belt driven 2-stage compressors are not that loud. They are very quiet compared to the direct drive oil-less compressors.

 

[Clevy]

Originally Posted By: supton
I got a cheapie oil-less compressor from Home Depot. 20 gallon? I forget. I'm not sure I'm 100% happy with it. For inflating tires it's great; but so far I haven't been real impressed with its ability to run an HF impact wrench. Which may be a second source of frustration.

IIRC, oil-less compressors cost less, but make more noise, and are apt to wear out faster.

I recall being told to get 3/8's line, not the cheaper 1/4". 1/4" is probably ok for tire inflation, but it won't support an impact wrench. I have a 50' 3/8's line, and I think it's too long to run an impact--too much pressure drop (although it could be the compressor--I have not had a chance to try a shorter line). But what makes more sense: long air line, or long extension cord? These compressors aren't low current.

I still wind up breaking loose bolts at the moment by hand. Right now my compressor is used just for tire inflation. Good thing it was a gift.


Oil-less compressors are junk. Heat kills the compression ring.